Masking Appalachia
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maskingappalachia.bsky.social
Masking Appalachia
@maskingappalachia.bsky.social
99 followers 120 following 6 posts
Connecting and empowering the COVIDing community in Appalachia & advocating for community care
📍Occupied Moneton territory • WNC
linktr.ee/maskingappalachia
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Reposted by Masking Appalachia
itsbabs.bsky.social
iso: anyone with saddle nose deformity who masks regularly and / or ENTs who may have some knowledge on the subject — how’s it going? is there a way to be kinder to noses with connective tissue issues in masks?
February 15, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
betsyladyzhets.bsky.social
I'd like to talk to federal workers with Long COVID and related chronic diseases/disabilities about how they're being impacted by the Trump administration's actions, for a story @thesicktimes.bsky.social. Sources can absolutely be anonymous. Message me on Signal at betsyladyzhets.25.
February 14, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
longcovidadvoc.com
💕Sometimes it's the simplest of things

We cover this & more in our SPLASH Guide on 'How to help someone with #longcovid'

🖇️ tinyurl.com/muw6e9uw
A vibrant pink heart with the text "STAY IN TOUCH" prominently displayed in bold black letters at its center, surrounded by colorful rays of light in turquoise and purple against a dark background. The image is associated with Long Covid Advocacy, as indicated by a small logo in the bottom left corner.
February 14, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
childrapesurvivor.bsky.social
Those of us with disabilities have been left behind. Folks seem to be happy for us to die. So we mask & try not to get infected with Covid, which is surging at the moment.

Here's a question for when a doctor asks "Why you are still masking?

@daniellemoodie.bsky.social @wajali.bsky.social
This is a post by Geo_ll @birthwing from Twitter about what to say to a doctor who is asking you why you are wearing a mask. (This is the context of the meme.) The meme says: "We're 5 years and 400,000 research papers into the devastating effects of a global, vascular pandemic. Are you usually this far behind with the most basic medical literature?"
February 9, 2025 at 9:58 PM
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thatsnailgirl.bsky.social
Every single post in my Long Covid support group on Facebook is being marked as spam and needs manual approval now. No keywords or obvious pattern.
February 9, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
cassandra101.bsky.social
After COVID-19, kids more likely to have GI symptoms for up to 2 years

Children with previous COVID-19 infection have a 25% to 28% higher risk of developing new gastrointestinal tract symptoms for up to 2 years than kids who did not report SARS-CoV-2 infections.

www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/aft...
After COVID-19, kids more likely to have GI symptoms for up to 2 years
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 9, 2025 at 11:43 PM
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dlingenfelter.bsky.social
All informed people know that SARS-CoV-2 can harm your immune system, even in mild cases of COVID-19.

Research has shown that the virus can cause long-term changes and damage to various components of your immune system.
All the informed people know that SARS-CoV-2 can harm the immune system, even in mild cases of COVID-19. Research has shown that the virus can cause long-term changes and damage to various components of the immune system[1][2][3]. ## Impact on T cells SARS-CoV-2 infection damages the CD8+ T cell response, similar to the long-term immune system damage observed with viruses like hepatitis C or HIV[1]. This dysfunction may contribute to long COVID and impair the body's ability to respond effectively to subsequent infections[1]. ## Changes in immune cell populations Studies have found a significant reduction in immune cells in the blood of COVID-19 survivors, even 10 months after infection[2][3]. This includes decreases in T cells and B cells, which are crucial components of the adaptive immune system[3]. ## Alterations in cytokines and growth factors COVID-19 leads to changes in cytokine and growth factor patterns in the blood[2]. Researchers observed upregulated levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5), as well as a significant decline in interferon-gamma levels by 10 months post-infection[3]. ## Antibody response SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies decline over time, with a large proportion of recovered individuals losing detectable levels of protective antibodies by 10 months post-infection[3]. This suggests a potential loss of protection against reinfection. ## Potential long-term consequences These immune system changes may explain some of the long-term consequences of COVID-19, including Long COVID[2]. Researchers hypothesize that the virus may cause long-term impairment of bone marrow function, which is crucial for immune cell production[2][3]. It's important to note that while these findings are concerning, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the immune system and their clinical implications[3]. But by that time, you’ll likely be so far gone that it won’t really matter. Citations: [1] https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-study-suggests-long-term-damage-immune-system [2] https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240715/COVID-19-leads-to-long-term-changes-in-the-immune-system-study-shows.aspx [3] https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/study-covid-can-trigger-changes-immune-system-may-underlie-persistent-symptoms [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8011344/ [5] https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sars-cov-2-fragments-may-cause-problems-after-infection [6] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41423-023-01104-y [7] https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2023/08/severe-covid-19-can-alter-long-term-immune-system-response [8] https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/does-covid-really-damage-your-immune-system-and-make-you-more-vulnerable-to-infections-the-evidence-is-lacking/
February 10, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
juliadoubleday.bsky.social
Worked hard on this, and I hope it will be a useful resource for many.

A beginner’s guide to Long COVID, with a discussion of mechanisms:

www.thegauntlet.news/p/what-is-lo...
What is Long COVID?
A Beginner's Guide
www.thegauntlet.news
February 7, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
danschellauthor.bsky.social
Since the CDC is now less than reliable, you can check the wastewater dashboard to see what's being passed around and how much.
WastewaterSCAN Dashboard
WastewaterSCAN Data Dashboard tracks infectious diseases across the US via wastewater surveillance.
data.wastewaterscan.org
February 9, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
grenadine.bsky.social
Detroit’s masks required, affordable used book store is here!!!

And they have CATS IN THE BOOKSTORE
detroitspecials.bsky.social Detroit Specials Used Books @detroitspecials.bsky.social · Feb 8
Here's a quick peek at some of our books:

#1 - fantasy & science fiction
#2 - mythology & folklore
#3 - music & music history
#4 - poetry

These are only portions of each shelf :)

We're here at 8275 John R in Detroit tonight until 9 PM & we'll be here tomorrow from 1-5 PM. Hope to see you!
A photograph of bookshelves filled with hardcover fantasy and science fiction books. Robert Jordan's Warrior of the Altah is face-out and the rest are spine out. Photograph of a bookshelf filled with folklore and mythology books. Some books are shelved upright, while others have been laid on their sides and stacked. Photograph of a bookshelf filled with music and music history books. Photograph of a bookshelf filled with poetry softcover and hardcover books.
February 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
spiritchrysalis.bsky.social
Wear. A. Mask.

It is cheap. If you can't afford, check if maskbloc.org has some for you

It is easy. I say this as someone with POTS, who is supposed to near-constantly have access to my mouth to hydrate, and wears them _everywhere_

It signals disdain of fascism

It cares for vulnerable people
Worldwide Mask Bloc Directory – Find your local Mask Bloc
MaskBloc.org lists active Mask Blocs around the world. Free high-quality masks, COVID-19 tests and other equipment for your community. Mutual Aid & We Keep Us Safe.
maskbloc.org
January 26, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
mollyknight.bsky.social
Also do not forget that bluesky has a wonderful feed of gifted articles from behind paywalls that you can enjoy. I learn a lot and find new writers and publications to follow: bsky.app/profile/did:...
December 19, 2024 at 9:03 PM
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brianamillslmft.bsky.social
Hey, white disabled people, you can still be racist even though you’re disabled. Let’s celebrate Black people and not forget that if it weren’t for the Black Panthers, we wouldn’t have the ADA. Minorities who stick together, thrive together.
February 1, 2025 at 8:33 PM
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unusualwhales.bsky.social
JUST IN: Several federal websites tracking health care issues like HIV prevention and transgender care are now offline, per Axios.

It is being reported that most U.S. federal government websites are expected "to go dark" for "a pause" at 5 p.m today, per CBS
January 31, 2025 at 10:31 PM
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wwtoo.bsky.social
Easy plan of action:
1. Get ALL your vaccinations asap - especially for TB, Flu, RSV & COVID
2. Stock up on N95 masks & sanitizer.
3. Stock up on non-perishable food / bottled water / water purification tablets.
4. Update your 1st aid kit. Stock up on antibiotic creams for wounds...
January 31, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
thewhn.bsky.social
Take a look at these mask selfies shared by our WHN community! Join in and submit your masked selfie at whn.global/mask-selfies to help spread the word about staying safe. Together, we can make a big impact.

#YallMasking #Masking #PublicHealth #KN95 #N95 #COVID19 #covid #InfectionPrevention
A person taking a selfie on a sunny beach, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat with a Roxy logo, large dark sunglasses, and a white 3M Aura N95 respirator. The beach has white sand, palm trees, and a calm ocean in the background. A pink circle in the bottom left corner contains the text "MASK SELFIES." At the top, six colorful dots are arranged in a row. A close-up selfie of a person wearing a white 3M VFlex N95 respirator and large glasses with slightly fogged-up lenses. The background shows a green leafy environment. A pink circle in the bottom left corner contains the text "MASK SELFIES." At the top, a row of six colorful dots is aligned. A person taking a selfie in an indoor parking garage, wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket, a blue neck gaiter, and a white 3M Aura N95 respirator. The garage is well-lit with cars visible in the background. A pink circle in the bottom left corner contains the text "MASK SELFIES." At the top, a row of six colorful dots is visible. A close-up selfie of a person wearing a bright yellow cycling helmet with a red reflective visor, showing the reflection of trees and a street. They are also wearing a white 3M VFlex N95 respirator with visible certification markings. A pink circle in the bottom left corner contains the text "MASK SELFIES." At the top, a row of six colorful dots is present.
January 31, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
mark-ungrin.bsky.social
From populists on the right, but also from establishment figures desperate to bury their responsibility, there's an ongoing push to bury the harms of COVID.

Long COVID alone costs 7M life-years (QALYs) and on the order of a trillion dollars a year in the OECD.
www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issue...
1. While a precise estimate of long COVID prevalence is still emerging, current research suggests that up to 10-30% of people who contracted COVID-19 exhibit symptoms corresponding to long COVID in the weeks and months following acute infection. Across OECD countries at a minimum, this would represent upwards of 39 million people who had or are currently living with long COVID. Sustainable investment in long COVID research is crucial to inform health and social care resource allocation. As the evidence base grows, developing standardised measures of symptoms and functional impact to support a more precise definition that enables the disaggregation of levels of long COVID severity could be useful to better understand the condition, assess its impact, and to tailor care and support. 3. Long COVID can severely limit people’s ability to undertake basic activities of daily life and can dramatically hamper quality of life. More than 7 million quality-adjusted life years may be lost annually across OECD countries due to the condition. Studies from across a range of OECD countries suggest that one sixth to more than one-third of people may have persistent cognitive symptoms, often lasting more than 12 weeks, after a COVID-19 infection. 4. Even conservative estimates of long COVID prevalence would indicate that long COVID may be reducing the workforce by nearly 3 million workers across OECD countries, amounting to an economic cost of at least $141 billion USD from lost wages alone. Moreover, even among those who were able to return to the labour force, a significant proportion reported needing to reduce the number of hours they worked, compared to before their infection. 5. The economic and social welfare costs of long COVID are dramatic: Even excluding the direct costs of health care, long COVID is likely costing OECD countries as much as $864 billion $1.04 trillion USD per year due to reductions in quality of life and labour force participation. The limitations in activities experienced by long COVID patients, including dropping out or reducing their participation in the labour force, as well as direct medical care costs, can have dramatic implications on their financial well-being. Costs to health and social protection systems may also be high over time. 6. Long COVID could further exacerbate inequalities: The COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to longstanding socioeconomic and demographic inequalities in health. Evidence from some countries suggests that certain groups – including populations with lower education attainment, and those living in more deprived areas – may be at risk of developing long COVID, and of experiencing more severe symptoms. 7. Patients have played a critical role in bringing attention and action to long COVID: Throughout the pandemic, countries deprioritized many key aspects of person-centred care in exchange for rapidly implementing policies intended to contain the virus. While the need for rapid action was clear, the lack of patient voice in the process was notable. In contrast, patients and patient groups have been at the forefront of advocating for both a recognition of long COVID as a legitimate condition, in articulating their care and support needs, and in spearheading research into the condition. In many cases, countries have responded by actively working together with patient groups to disseminate information and develop patient-centred support services.
November 25, 2024 at 8:11 PM
Reposted by Masking Appalachia
shematologist.medsky.social
Just downloaded 5 calls app which makes it SO EASY to contact your senators and congress people.

Make your voice heard today!
5 calls app showing the calls I’ve made to my senators
January 30, 2025 at 8:51 PM
maskingappalachia.bsky.social
"Attendees are required to wear a mask (N95 or K95) over their mouth and nose while indoors at the conference. Masks will be provided for those who do not have a mask."
socialismconference.org Socialism Conference @socialismconference.org · Jan 28
For more information on Socialism 2025 Covid-19 precautions, Special Accommodations, Organizational Sponsorship/Tabling Requests, and more please visit:
socialismconference.org/faqs/
POLITICS • EDUCATION • COMMUNITY SOCIALISM 2O25 CHICAGO • JULY 3-6
January 31, 2025 at 1:50 AM
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maskblocmsp.bsky.social
Help us keep the bloc stocked by helping us raise funds! Our Goal is $500 to restock. You can find the place to give in our link tree.
PP: @MaskBlocMSP
VM:@maskblocmsp

Thanks for your ongoing support in working together as a community to keep people safe.
Blue poster (2 different shades of blue) in the shape of hexagons. Mask Bloc logo and QR code at top with 3 black arrows pointing to it. Top right has a picture of a stack of white kn95 masks on a dark surface. Text reads Keep the Bloc stocked. Supplies We Buy (listed in bullet form) High Quality Respirators, rapid tests, kids masks. Under that it reads Donate Now! Bottom right text reads Contact us: linktr.ee/maskblockmsp, venom/PayPal: @MaskBlocMSP, ko-fi/MaskBlockMSP
January 29, 2025 at 1:03 AM
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kateviolette.com
This is just one answer bc these are the circles I travel in:

Ask your local covid cautious buddies what groups they're connected with, who they know that could connect you with other groups

Things have been bad *before* Trump. We've already been building support networks against eugenics/fascism.
andreagrimes.com Andrea Grimes @andreagrimes.com · Jan 29
Folks wanna share tips on how to find mutual aid and community groups locally? I know a lot of us are looking for this stuff right now.
bmontijo.bsky.social ✨Brittish✨ @bmontijo.bsky.social · Jan 29
Where we can find these organizations and networks? I couldn’t find anything online, so I’m going to an LGBTQ+ friendly gym to hopefully talk to people that might know. I just feel like there are much better ways to do it but idk what..
January 29, 2025 at 1:00 AM
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cvcev.bsky.social
♻️ 1.5 days left! ⌛️(ends Thursday afternoon)
💙💜💗 Please help if you can 🙏

💕 Thank you to all those who have kindly helped so far. Your support is very much appreciated! 💕

Please help to share even if you cannot donate:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/clinically...
January 28, 2025 at 1:22 PM